RANTING AND RAVING - Brock doesn't need three arenas

In many ways, I've always considered Brock as a bit of an anomaly.
I don't think many locals would disagree that the township is a little out of place in Durham Region.
Though not much smaller in terms of population than our neighbours in the north, Uxbridge and Scugog, both of those municipalities have large population centres. The local population, on the other hand, is spread -- for argument's sake -- through three distinct communities.
While nearly four decades have passed since the township formed (and joined Durham Region), there's still many around these parts that have a hard time acknowledging that Brock is a single community.
That type of mindset has held this municipality back for far too long.
Which leads me to the potential closure or re-purposing of the Cannington arena as suggested by the Recreation Master Plan.
First off, it shouldn't take a consultant to point out that Brock has an over-abundance of arenas. And while closure of the Cannington facility is an option, it's one that members of council have never seriously considered, even in casual conversation.
Still, there were a number of residents at Monday's parks and recreation committee meeting who acted as though the shadow of a wrecking ball loomed over the arena even as they settled into their seats.
But despite all the passion displayed by those who have spoke against the potential closure or re-purposing, including those at Monday's council meeting, there haven't been many compelling arguments presented.
Most have been based on history, sentimentality and, at the very worst, downright selfishness.
Many locals have lamented the fact that they'd no longer be able to walk to a rink; bemoaning the 10- to 15-minute drive to Beaverton or Sunderland.
Others pine for it to stay open while openly admitting that they only use it once a week through the winter months for public skating or pick-up hockey.
Sorry folks, but that's just not good enough. Not anymore.
While some argued that the financial picture at all three arenas would be improved through better marketing or an improved booking system, the most persuasive speakers tugged on the heartstrings, likening the arena as Cannington's community hub.
While that statement is certainly debatable -- unless you're a hockey player or figure skater, I see little reason why anyone would go to the arena regularly -- that role certainly wouldn't change if it were converted into an all-purpose recreational facility. The type of facility that this community actually needs.
And by community, I mean all of Brock Township.
"We didn't look at Beaverton, Cannington and Sunderland -- we looked at Brock Township," consultant Anand Desai told those who turned out for the public meeting on the Recreation Master Plan in Cannington.
I wish more residents could do the same.
showard@mykawartha.com